New BMW 7 Series Hybrid spied at Nurburgring

BMW continues the testing trials of its new BMW 7 Series Hybrid model and this time it was spotted at the Nurburgring track. BMW’s hybrid dubbed 755ih will launch at the end of this year and it is the first BMW model to use the dual-mode ActiveHybrid system, which has discrete modes for high-torque, low speed driving as well as for high-speed cruises.

The second hybrid to use the same technology will be the X6 ActiveHybrid which will launch this year as well.

The BMW 7 Series Hybrid uses a twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine that delivers 407 horsepower and 442lb ft, working in combination with an AC electric motor that can add another 20 horserpower and 155lb ft of torque. In mild hybrid form, the result is 15 percent less fuel consumption and emissions (in the EU test cycle) versus a combustion engine only equivalent.

To improve even more the fuel efficiency, the start/stop technology and the part-time alternator have been implemented in the Hybrid version as well. Other standard hybrid features, such as regenerative braking and optimized aerodynamics.

The 7 Series Hybrid comes as a response to Mercedes-Benz’s S400 Bluetec Hybrid and it’s expected to cost over $100,000.

[More spy photos at SpyShots.nl ]

Thanks for the tip Shrawan!

2 Responses to “New BMW 7 Series Hybrid spied at Nurburgring”

The Lee says:

June 30, 2009 at 9:51 am

Combined 597 ft-lbs of torque…

Mmmmmmmmm. Do want.

Alexander Phillippe says:

July 19, 2009 at 4:03 pm

I like those black rims, where can I get a set?